Author, Donkey, Bureaucrats, Administrators
53,803
edits
Changes
Cartilage - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 15:25, 6 January 2011
, 15:25, 6 January 2011no edit summary
==Structure and Function of Cartilage==
The function of cartilage is to resist compression, provide resilience and support at sites where flexibility is desired.
===Structure===
'''Chondrocytes'''
Reside within '''lacunae''' within ECM and are responsible for synthesizing the '''matrix'''. The matrix consists of type II collagen, (except fibrocartilage) and proteoglycans with associated glycosaminoglycans. They are continually turned over and are the most vulnerable component of cartilage. Decresed proteoglycan, causes loss of lubrication which results in collagen disruption. This includes, frays, clefts, fibrillation, ulcers, exposure of bone, [[Musculoskeletal Terminology - Pathology|eburnation, +/- osteophytes and joint mice]].
Cartilage is avascular, nutrients and waste move via diffusion. The perichondrium surrounding the cartilage is composed of two layers:
1. '''Fibrous'''- outer, dense irregular connective tissue.
2. '''Chondrogenic'''- inner, flattened cells that differentiate to chondrocytes.
==Types of Cartilage==
==Types of Cartilage==